ROOT, Inc. founder Kenny Barnes Sr. accepts an award from the National Press Club for his service advocating for gun violence victims.

We Have a Public Health Crisis!

In 2001, Kenny Barnes Jr. was the proud young owner of a new clothing boutique on U street. While some doubted his ability to succeed, he stood tall and persevered, determined to make a living as an entrepreneur in a tough part of Washington, D.C. But on September 24th, he was shot in the face by a 17 year old with an illegal gun.

Tragically, it was not the first time that the child with a handgun had killed, it was the third. But the broken juvenile justice system could not provide the adequate support for the young man, and he was quickly caught in October and then sentenced to 105 years in prison.

Through it all, he has discovered the stunning truth about the gun control debate in America: it is not a legal issue, it is a public health issue. It effects everyone, but by coming together and sharing the struggle, we can all heal from our stories, and eventually end gun violence.